For the ad challenge, I look at ads and work out which ones would easily translate to a scrapbook page. Everyone is attracted to something different, but as an example, these are the ones that suit my style, and that I'd look at lifting:
The 3 photos with subtitles and journalling on colour blocks underneath
Big photo with a photostrip on the side
Kind of like pocket scrapbooking here. I'd add more blocks.
Keeping it simple. Large photo with journalling underneath.
Hope that helps